WIREDGOV

A Scottish Government programme to help businesses and the public sector save money, cut waste and reduce carbon has taken a step forward.

The new Scottish Energy and Resource Efficiency Service (SERES) web portal, which streamlines existing support and advice programmes, is now available.

This virtual service will provide more consistent and comprehensive advice through a single enquiry point and improve cross-referral between agencies.

The Scottish Government also intend to establish a new integrated Business Resource and Energy Efficiency Service from 2013.

This new service will integrate the support currently provided by Carbon Trust, Energy Saving Trust and Zero Waste Scotland to Scottish businesses and public sector organisations.

Enterprise Minister Fergus Ewing said:

“We want to deliver sustainable economic growth for Scotland and accelerate the transition to a low carbon economy.  Energy and resource efficiency is a key way for business and public sector organisations to reduce costs, increase business competitiveness and help Scotland become truly low carbon.

“As outlined in the Government Economic Strategy, we are co-ordinating the range of business and public sector support and advice programmes delivered by a number of bodies. This will make it easier to access professional advice from any entry point through joint marketing, events and cross-referral. The service offers comprehensive information, advice and support to improve resource and energy management – that translates into cost savings for Scottish businesses.

“We will build on this virtual framework to establish a new single integrated Business Resource and Energy Efficiency Service for Scotland, which will integrate our current advice and support delivered to business and public sector from 2013.’’

Related information:

• Scottish Energy and Resource Efficiency Service (SERES)
• SERES brings together the existing delivery bodies of  the Carbon Trust, Energy Saving Trust, Zero Waste Scotland, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Enterprise and Business Gateway. The next phase of the SERES project is to establish a fully functioning web portal and the creation of an integrated client referral system.
• The new Business Resource and Energy Efficiency Service will be available from 2013.